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Dolphin chairs display at Ham House

See a display of three newly-conserved Dolphin chairs, which feature in BBC Two's 'Hidden Treasures of the National Trust'. Discover how conservators at Blickling and Knole approached treating these rare pieces from the 1670s.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Visit Ham House to see a display of three Dolphin chairs, recently returned from conservation, which also feature in the new series of 'Hidden Treasures of the National Trust' on BBC Two.

Part of a set of 11 carved and gilded chairs with patterned silk covers, these pieces were commissioned by Elizabeth, Duchess of Lauderdale, during the enlargement of Ham House in the 1670s. Research suggests Jean Poictevin, a French craftsman working in Spitalfields at the time, made these impressive chairs – showing Elizabeth’s tastes were influenced by the French court.

The display will also explore how two National Trust conservation studios (the Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio at Knole and the Textile Conservation Studio at Blickling) are collaborating to conserve different aspects of the chairs.

Included with admission; no booking required. The house opening time is 12-4 (last entry 3.30).

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This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

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The basics

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Please note, this display is on the first floor of the house, which is accessed via stairs.

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Ham House and Garden

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